The Centre plans to allow export of nearly five million personal protective equipment (PPE) suits a month as India is making these suits in surplus quantities. However, government officials added manufacturers will have to comply with international standards and acquire all required certifications to make sure their products are up to the mark.

The textile industry has been seeking permission for the exports of these suits citing PPE surpluses in the country and losses it has suffered because of the pandemic. Exports of these suits were stopped on January 31. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) recently lifted the ban on various kinds of cloth masks that were prohibited in March. Government officials maintain that the ban on medical equipment is also likely to be lifted soon.

South India Mills Association President K Selvaraju said there is no market presently for garments or knitwear and that textile companies have been requesting the government to allow them to export PPE kits. He added they have reached a point where they can produce nearly 10 million kits a month.